Sam Francois, SVP, Head of Marketing at Amerant Bank
Sam Francois, SVP, Head of Marketing at Amerant Bank, explains that they are a human bank that combines innovation with tradition, offering personalized financial solutions and an inclusive work environment, all based on values such as integrity, respect and commitment to the community.
PRODU spoke with Sam about how the financial institution genuinely cares about its customers and employees, and is committed to making a positive difference in the world.
What is the significance of opening this branch? What does this new branch mean for the bank?
Opening this new branch is a significant step in Amerant Bank’s mission to expand its footprint and enhance its ability to serve the south Florida community. As Florida’s bank of choice, this new branch will help us continue to provide personalized, community-based banking services that are tailored to the unique needs of our diverse customer base, including both local Latino communities and international clients. The expansion reflects our commitment to not only growing our physical presence but also fortifying our digital and international banking services, ensuring that customers, whether in Florida or abroad, have access to the financial tools they need to succeed.
For you, what does the people-centered business model consist of?
At Amerant, our people-centered business model is all about building lasting relationships with customers, employees, and the communities we serve. We listen to our customers and offer tailored solutions that suit their individual needs—whether they are seeking personalized banking, business loans, or cross-border financial services. Internally, our people-centered model ensures that team members are supported through professional development opportunities, wellness programs, and a work environment built on respect, inclusion, and innovation.
What aspects do you think make Amerant such a special place to work?
Amerant stands out as a special place to work due to our strong community ties and the sense of purpose that comes from serving both local and international clients. The bank’s active engagement with the Latino community in Florida through partnerships, sponsorships, and culturally relevant marketing campaigns makes team members feel proud to be part of a company that genuinely cares about its customers and the diverse populations it serves.
What programs or initiatives does Amerant have that focus on employee well-being?
Amerant offers a range of programs aimed at supporting team member well-being, with a particular focus on creating a healthy work-life balance. These include comprehensive healthcare benefits, wellness programs, and resources for mental health support. We also ensure that our team members have access to resources that can help them manage their personal finances, an increasingly important need given our commitment to serving both the local Latino community and international clients who may have specific banking needs.
How does the company foster the professional development of its employees?
Amerant fosters professional development by offering team members access to ongoing training programs, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities. Through internal mobility and leadership development programs, we ensure that our team members have the tools to grow professionally and are prepared to take on new challenges. Our commitment to professional growth also extends to team members interested in learning more about emerging technologies that drive our digital banking services.
What values and principles guide Amerant’s organizational culture?
Amerant’s organizational culture is guided by values such as integrity, respect, inclusivity, and community engagement. We place a strong emphasis on building trust through transparent, ethical business practices and creating an environment where team members are treated with respect and valued for their contributions. Whether we are helping a small business owner navigate the complexities of international trade or providing financial solutions tailored to Hispanic families, our cultural values prioritize delivering accessible, innovative, and inclusive banking services for everyone.
How are employees involved in decision making and continuous improvement of the company?
We regularly engage our teams through feedback loops, surveys, and collaborative initiatives that ensure everyone has a voice in shaping our future. Team members working directly with Latino and international clients are encouraged to share insights and best practices that can improve our services and enhance the customer experience. Additionally, we value input from our team on new banking technologies, marketing strategies, and community outreach programs that will help us expand our reach and deepen our relationships with both local and international customers. This open communication fosters a culture of innovation and shared responsibility for the company’s success.
